Introduction
High on a ridge in the Brooks Range of Northern Alaska, photographer David Shaw had an extraordinary experience that changed his perspective on photography. As he climbed a steep slope on a little-forgotten drainage in Gates of the Arctic National Park, he stumbled upon a pillar of stone standing tall and narrow. In that moment, he realized that he was about to be the first person to capture these rocks in photographs. This epiphany led him to understand the beauty of capturing images in a way that others haven’t seen before. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to nature and outdoor photography, covering various aspects of this art form.
A Note on Ethics
Before diving into the technical aspects of outdoor photography, it is crucial to address the importance of ethical practices. As outdoor and wildlife photographers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our actions do not harm the resources we photograph. Shaw emphasizes the need to respect other users of the environment and be kind to fellow photographers and non-photographers. He shares guidelines on not harassing wildlife, maintaining a safe distance, following rules and regulations, and leaving no trace of our presence in the natural world.
Landscape Photography
Shaw’s favorite photography opportunities often involve shooting landscapes that have rarely been explored or photographed. He is particularly drawn to dramatic topography and beautiful lighting conditions. While landscape photography does not necessarily require extensive equipment, Shaw shares his essential gear for capturing stunning landscape images. This includes a full-frame DSLR camera, wide-angle zoom lenses, a mid-range telephoto zoom lens, a compact or mirrorless camera, a tripod, polarizing filter, and a variable neutral density filter. He believes that this kit covers nearly every landscape photography opportunity one might encounter.
Composition and Exposure
In this section, Shaw delves into the artistic elements of photography—composition and exposure. He acknowledges that discussing these topics is always challenging due to the subjective nature of art, but understanding how settings impact the final image is essential for photographers. Shaw explains the role of shutter speed in freezing or blurring motion, aperture in controlling the amount of light and depth of field, and ISO in determining the sensitivity of the camera sensor to light. He introduces the concept of the exposure triangle, where the three factors (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO) interact to control brightness, depth of field, and sharpness in the image. To help photographers grasp the impact of each setting, he suggests an exercise of shooting in manual mode and experimenting with ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to observe how they influence the final image.
Macro Photography: The World Up Close
Moving into the realm of macro photography, Shaw explores the world of close-up photography and capturing intricate details. He explains that macro photography requires specialized equipment, including macro lenses, extension tubes, or lens reversal techniques (using an old lens attached to the camera in reverse). While high-end macro lenses offer the best results, Shaw provides alternatives for photographers with limited budgets. He also discusses the use of natural light and artificial lighting techniques such as ring lights and flashes. Additionally, he recommends using tripod heads designed specifically for macro photography to achieve precise movements of the camera for focusing. Shaw highlights the importance of patience when starting with macro photography and suggests practicing with static objects such as flowers before moving on to fast-moving subjects.
Wildlife Photography
In this section, Shaw emphasizes the need for responsible and respectful practices while photographing wildlife. He shares personal experiences witnessing unethical behavior among wildlife photographers and emphasizes that good wildlife photography requires patience and respect for the subjects. Shaw acknowledges that long lenses are commonly used in wildlife photography to capture animals from a safe distance. He describes his essential equipment, which includes DSLRs, long lenses, a sturdy tripod with a gimbal head, and a 1.4x teleconverter. He provides tips on getting close to wildlife, such as going to places where animals are accustomed to people, using blinds, and practicing camouflage techniques. Shaw also advises photographers to prioritize capturing behavior, action, and motion to tell compelling stories through their images.
Conclusion
As Shaw concludes his comprehensive guide to nature and outdoor photography, he reflects on the journey that this art form offers. He highlights the importance of using cameras with respect and caution while appreciating the beauty of the natural world. Shaw encourages photographers to be mindful of their actions, be aware of the impact they may have on the environment, and strive to create beautiful photos. He believes that the experiences gained through outdoor photography can be as rewarding as the final images themselves. In closing, Shaw urges readers to embrace this art form, explore the outdoors, and capture the world in a unique way.
The article is compiled and compiled by tipcamera.com
